Microsoft recently “launched” (official launch later today, apparently) it’s MSN Music Store.

The obvious comparison is between this and the iTunes Application. Joe Wilcox already has a great take on this.

Primarily, I prefer MSN’s store for a couple of reasons. First, it’s web based. That means I can browse songs from anywhere, add them to my collection from anywhere and redownload songs as I need to from anywhere. That’s a good thing. A very good thing. Also, the store does not lock you into using Internet Explorer to use the more advanced features (music previews). You will need to have ActiveX installed (take that as you will) and running in Windows Media Player’s Zone (you may need to create it if you’re trying to lock ActiveX out from regular surfing). But, you can happily use Mozilla, FireFox or Opera if you so desire, as long as you install the ActiveX extensions for each of these.

The music selection seems fairly good. I looked for some “non mainstream” (in their genres) stuff in a variety of sections (jazz, christian music and world mainly) and found instances of everything I was looking for, even if I didn’t find the exact song.

The website is well designed, staying away from top-loading the page (like Apple’s sites do…).

The ads are non intrusive and, really, helped me out. While searching for songs I found several things that caught my eye in the ads. They’re even more “out of the way” than Google’s. Some people will complain that they are paying for the music so shouldn’t see ads. Whatever. They aren’t in the way and it’s not like you’re paying for the bandwidth you’re using while previewing songs. If all you have to do is ignore a few ads in order to listen to some songs, so be it.

Also, the Radio, TV and Movies sections are welcome additions. Being from Canada I’m not sure I can buy from the store yet (I still can’t from iTunes). Overall I’m glad this is here. If I ever get a Digital Music Player it probably won’t be an iPod (unless I get my free one). In which case my best option really is WMA format, so the MSN store could easily be the place to go.

I’m happy with this. If you prefer Apple, iTunes and your iPod this obviously isn’t the best option for you. If you’re looking for a new WMA store, give the new MSN one a shot. I know a couple of guys on the team and they are very happy with what they’ve put together and they should be. Well done to all.